Dealing with acne scars is perhaps one of the most frustrating issues for teenagers and adults alike. In many cases, the patient may even have acne under control, but the scars serve as a continued reminder of the problem, thus never allowing the individual to truly move on with their life and build a healthy self-image.

To help patients address the hyperpigmented lesions and rough skin texture associated with scarring, California Skin Institute providers can utilize a variety of treatments and technologies that, in many cases, can completely remove reminders of previous breakouts. We achieve this by combining expertise with compassionate care; giving each patient the individualized attention they deserve and creating customized treatment plans that reflect your unique needs.

Face Masks and Peels for Acne Scar Treatment

One way that California Skin Institute providers help patients achieve brighter skin and smoother skin texture is through the use of specialized face masks and chemical peels. For example, many patients benefit from glycolic acid acne treatments. Glycolic acid treatments are typically a better choice for individuals struggling with mild to moderate acne scars. The acid is gentle enough to avoid excessive peeling and flaking, but is strong enough to promote exfoliation. The exfoliating benefits lead to a faster removal of hyperpigmented skin lesions and can improve skin texture. Further, glycolic acid helps keep the pores clean, to reduce the appearance of blackheads.

When an individual has severe scarring that covers a large surface area of the skin, a TCA peel may be a more viable option. This procedure is a much stronger acne scar treatment and can result in skin peeling and crusting afterwards. In many cases, patients undergoing a TCA peel may need to take several days off work in order to allow the skin to heal. However, because the TCA peel is more aggressive, just one treatment can yield dramatic improvements in skin appearance (as opposed to multiple treatments with glycolic acid).

In addition to peels, California Skin Institute providers can also administer a number of face mask acne scar treatments. For example, many patients have benefited from enzyme masks, which gently exfoliate the skin. Others have experienced improvements in skin texture from retinol face masks, which promote a healthier skin cycle and stimulate the shedding of dead cells.

Dermabrasion for Acne Scars

Although chemical exfoliation can be very helpful for acne scar treatment, some patients may see better outcomes with physical exfoliation via dermabrasion. In such situations, California Skin Institute providers can utilize traditional microdermabrasion, which relies on tiny crystals to slough off top layers of damaged skin. This can be a powerful procedure, as it can produce a smoother skin texture after just a few treatments.

In addition to traditional microdermabrasion, providers can also utilize DermaSweep technology. Instead of crystals, this device relies on tiny bristles that physically scrape the skin. One of the benefits of DermaSweep is the suctioning technology that immediately pulls away exfoliated skin cells, to reduce the chances of pore clogging. Further, the device can be used to perform serum infusions after treatment, to promote collagen growth and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling for Acne Scars

In cases where spot treatment is needed, providers may suggest the use of MicroPen microneedling treatments. The idea behind this procedure is to use tiny needles that make very small puncture wounds in the skin.

The process helps break up clusters of hyperpigmented cells, and stimulates the body’s healing response, which in turn boosts production of collagen. Special serums can also be used during treatment, to deliver healthy ingredients deep into the skin via channels created by the tiny needles.

Laser Acne Scar Treatments

When a patient is struggling with severe scarring, laser acne scar treatments may be a viable choice. The idea behind laser treatments is to cause targeted micro damage to the skin, which will promote the removal of damaged cells and stimulate the growth of smooth, healthy skin. These treatments are often associated with longer recovery times; however, they also produce faster outcomes because laser procedures are a bit more aggressive.

Further, even laser treatments have different levels of intensity. For example, the Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser that can yield favorable outcomes for moderate acne, while ablative technology like Fraxel re:pair and Lutronic eCO2 provide for a more aggressive treatment, with longer down time.

If you do opt for a laser acne scar treatment, your California Skin Institute provider will discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with you in detail, and will assist you with choosing the best treatment path that will not interfere with your regular routine.

Subcision and TCA Cross Technique

Some patients struggling with deep acne scars (also known as boxcar or ice pick scars) may be candidates for treatments with subcision or the TCA Cross Technique.

During subcision treatments, your California Skin Institute provider will use a very small needle to separate the bottom of the scar from the underlying tissue below the skin. The body will work to repair this micro damage by growing more healthy tissue and collagen, thus reducing the depth of the scar. Several treatments may be needed to achieve optimal outcomes, with each successive procedure stimulating more tissue growth, thus raising the scar.

The TCA Cross Technique relies on trichloroacetic acid to stimulate collagen production. However, unlike a TCA peel which is meant to resurface a larger treatment area, the Cross Technique is used for spot treatment. Small amounts of the acid are applied to the base of the scar, which causes micro damage and stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. After several treatments, the acne scar will become shallower and less visible.

Starting Your Acne Scar Treatment

The first step toward reducing the appearance of your acne scars is to schedule an individualized consultation with a California Skin Institute provider. Schedule your appointment by calling a California Skin Institute practice near you, or schedule online now!

Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.